What is this course for?

This course provides an overview and introduction to the field of human-computer interaction, with a focus on how it applies to managers, technology executives, and others who will work with HCI professionals. Particular emphasis will be placed on what HCI methods and HCI-trained specialists can bring to design and development teams. The course will provide a hands-on introduction to proven tools and techniques for creating and improving user interfaces, such as Contextual Inquiry, Rapid Prototyping, Heuristic Analysis, and Think-Aloud Usability Testing. Students at the end of the course will have learned how to perform some useful techniques and will have an understanding of systematic procedures for creating usable and useful designs and systems.

What is HCI?

Human computer interaction (HCI) is an interdisciplinary field in which computer scientists, engineers, psychologists, social scientists, and design professionals play important roles. The goal of HCI is to solve real problems in the design and use of technology, making computer-based systems easier to use and more effective for people and organizations. Ease of use and effectiveness are critical to the success of any systems that interact with people, including software systems, home, office and factory appliances, and web and phone applications.

You may visit the CMU HCII website for more information.

Who is this course for?

The class welcomes everyone from non-programmers to expert programmers. No background in HCI is expected. Open to graduate students from all departments who are interested in a quick introduction to HCI. Approved elective course in the Technology Leadership MBA Track. Also approved as an elective in INI, MSE, IS, MSIT, MBA, and other Master's programs. Distance students may also register, since the course is videoed. Also available to advanced undergraduates with permission of the instructor. [Please Note: This course is NOT appropriate for students in the degree programs of the Human-Computer Interaction Institute.]

Anonymous Evaluation Comments from Last Year (2016)

“Great course. Very practical application. I loved it. One of the best. Professor Myers is a knowledgeable man and he has defined this course very clearly and in a concise and comprehensible manner.”

“I really enjoyed the examples from industry, and the research/statistics presented that showed how important usability was.”

“Good course really enjoyed your lectures.”

“The class was really useful and introduced all basics to be a product designer.”

“This is an excellent course with awesome learning and skill building. The quality of this course is really good. But it is pretty intense such that lot of time goes in assignments, which again is an important aspect of the course. The professor is very supportive and highly experienced and there were lots of significant takeaways from this course.”

“Great course.”

“It was a good blend of theory and practice.”

Interesting things to learn from the class.”

“I gained very practical feedback and takeaways for my research project.”

“Interesting classes and lectures. Good use of guest speakers. Not too many and they were well picked. HW/Project was somewhat difficult due time required. Making a prototype for systems can be a very time intensive task which made the first few homeworks significantly longer than the last few. Still a good project. Overall, I thought it was a great introductory class to HCI. It was at the perfect level for people to get an idea of the subject but without going overboard. Ideal for individuals who will have to work with designers but may not necessarily be designers themselves.”

“I found the material of the course to be interesting and the homework provided a real hands-on application.”

“Great Course, a lot of work, but learned a lot as well.”

“Homeworks are very well thought out and organized. I learned a lot from that experience.”